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The Andalusian Court: A magical experience

The Andalusian Court is peaceful and romantic.

There are many words guests use to describe The Andalusian Court — romantic, private, serene, stunning — but one is used over and over again: Magical.

“The grounds are lush and full of water features and fountains and at night it is lit up like a magical fantasyland,” manager Elaine Manion said. “We had one guest tell us he’s not a sentimental guy, but the property at night almost brought him to tears.”

The Andalusian Court was originally built in 1921, and retains its Spanish revival charm. There are seven private villas, each one with a bedroom, fully-equipped kitchen, luxurious bathroom, dining and living room, and fireplace, and some have private outdoor jacuzzis. The gardens are gorgeous, the courtyard pool and fire pits are inviting, and the guest barbecue is a fun touch. There’s also a Hollywood history — Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz often stayed at The Andalusian Court in Villa 4.

“Everything is unique about this property,” Elaine said. “Every villa is fully contained; it is literally turnkey, so you don’t need anything else. The customer service is impeccable, it’s number one, and the grounds are peaceful. The property is quiet because everyone is on the same page; there’s no loud music at the pool, no screaming. It is adults only, so it does have a very peaceful and serene environment.”

The owners have retained the hotel’s original architecture while adding plush new beds and linens, water heaters, and WiFi to each villa. As a bonus, when guests check-in, they are greeted with a goody bag of snacks and bottled water, and they always know that the staff at The Andalusian Court is ready and excited to help them make the most out of their stay.

“We hear wonderful reviews from our guests, and they recommend us to others,” Elaine said. “That word of mouth has led to us having lots of repeat guests.”

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Hotel California: You can leave — but why would you want to?

Neil Mehta was impressed as soon as he walked onto the grounds of the Hotel California.

The Hotel California is consistently voted as one of the top hotels in not just Palm Springs, but the entire country. That’s just one of the reasons why Neil purchased the 14-room hotel in January 2019.

“It has a really nice intimacy to it,” Neil says. “There are a lot of different areas where you can get away and be by yourself. If you want to have a cup of coffee and stare at the mountains, you can do it in two or three different spots upstairs. But if you want to be surrounded by other guests, you can go to the pool.”

Originally built in 1942, the Hotel California is decorated with Spanish charm. It has a private courtyard, heated pool, spa, poolside cooling misters, fire pits, barbecue patio, and secluded outdoor cigar lounge.

At the same time Neil bought the Hotel California, he also purchased the Desert Riviera Hotel. As it turns out, both hotels once had the same owner.

“That great customer service culture was implemented at the Hotel California and Desert Riviera by the same owner long ago, and they’ve done a great job upholding that standard of service,” he says.

The Hotel California has a loyal following, with guests coming back year after year. Neil is looking forward to interacting with visitors, and is “extremely excited about the prospect of not only continuing the legacy of the prior owners, but also trying to find areas where we can improve and make guests feel even more like family,”

Neil has spent the last 10 years doing real estate development, and also owns a residential real estate company in Orange County. In 2014, he bought his first hotel in Newport Beach, and fell in love with the hospitality industry. Neil feels “lucky and blessed” to now own both the Hotel California and Desert Riviera, and is looking forward to getting settled in town.

“I am a big fan of the city of Palm Springs and of the culture that has always embraced diversity,” he says. “I’m excited to be part of it, to grow our business, and to provide positive experiences for guests.”

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You’ll want to Dive right in

Step foot on the Dive Palm Springs property, and you’ll immediately be transported to the French Riviera of the 1960s.

Dive Palm Springs opened in August 2019 after a two-month renovation. The hotel was built in 1954 as the Sunrise Villa, a western-style hotel. Over the years, it changed names and themes, ultimately becoming the Alpine Gardens before transforming into Colt’s Lodge in 2015. Since being purchased earlier this year, the 11-room property has been “extensively redesigned, both inside and out,” new owner Abdi Manavi says. “We have developed a sense of luxury in all the rooms, and a feeling of serenity throughout the different areas of the grounds.”

The hotel features furnishings by Serena & Lily and Anthropologie, premium linens, and original murals. Most of the King rooms come with an outdoor patio, complete with an oversized daybed, and one has a private hot tub. The most magical room is the La Reve, French for “The Dream.” This room has a custom ceiling mural and wallpaper by Christian Lacroix, a solid brass queen bed with an ultra-comfortable Tuft and Needle mattress, and a red-tiled bathroom with a rainfall shower and smoked glass two-way mirror between the bedroom and shower.

“Dive is more than a hotel,” Abdi says. “It’s a private luxury time machine. Evoking the casual elegance of Saint Tropez in the 1960s, we created Dive to transport our guests to a romantic forgotten world where it’s still safe to relax, play, explore, and release all the trappings of modern life.”

Dive is an adults-only property, and can host events for up to 150 people, including weddings, retreats, and reunions. Guests have been raving about the lush grounds, cozy daybeds, the restored original Libott pool, the koi pond, and The Orchard — Dive calls this its “vacation spot within a vacation spot,” as it has a two-person swing chair, waterfall, comfortable couches and loungers, and a vintage neon sign of a diving girl, affectionally nicknamed Lulu.

“My business partner Dale Fox and I have created an intimate atmosphere for our guests, as you would have staying at a friend’s house,” Abdi says. “We are here to provide magic and ensure our guests are relaxed and happy during their stay. Though I take on the role of an owner and general manager, my business card says ‘Liaison to Happiness.'”

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The very definition of serene

The Santiago Resort celebrated its 20th anniversary by undergoing a complete transformation, but its mission remains the same — to provide guests with outstanding service in a serene environment.

The Santiago first opened its doors in the 1990s, and came under new ownership in March 2015, when three partners purchased the hotel and set out to “redefine what a premier gay resort can be,” general manager Kent Taylor said. All 23 rooms have been completely upgraded in the Modern Ranchero style, with custom-designed furniture, luxurious linens, Saltillo tile, and FLOR carpet.

Outside, guests can lounge around the pool, which is the largest of any of the men’s gay resorts in Palm Springs, make their way through the tranquil gardens, and stop by the 24-hour cantina with complimentary beverages and snacks. As the resort is swimsuit-optional, there is a large hedge surrounding it, ensuring privacy for all guests.

The staff goes out of its way to make sure guests are comfortable and feel welcome, and they enjoy getting to meet a variety of people. “We have world travelers who have so much to say and so many interesting stories to tell,” Kent said. “I love that every single day is different. One would think it is the same thing over and over, but it’s quite the opposite — every day is a new experience, a new challenge, and new faces.”

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Laid-back vibes in the heart of Palm Springs

The charming Bearfoot Inn is the only gay men’s clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs’ historic Movie Colony neighborhood, putting it just steps away from all the action of downtown.

Once they arrived in Palm Springs, Glen Boomhour and Jerry Pergolesi knew they were in the right place.

The owners of the Bearfoot Inn originally had planned to open a hotel in Florida; as Canadians, this is the “go to sun destination,” Jerry said. Instead, they opened as a bed and breakfast in Toronto, which “gave us time to open our field of vision and take a serious look at Palm Springs,” Jerry said. “We’re glad we did.”

The Bearfoot Inn is proud to serve the gay community, in one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world.

After 11 years in Toronto, The Bearfoot Inn in Palm Springs officially opened on Jan. 1, 2013, although word spread ahead of time and they opened their doors a few days early to welcome drop-in guests.

“What’s great about Palm Springs is the weather, of course, and Palm Springs is probably the most gay positive city in the U.S.,” Jerry said.

The Bearfoot Inn is in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood, the only clothing-optional gay men’s resort with this distinction, and just steps away from downtown. Its 11 guest rooms all have memory foam mattresses, extra-large showers, and flatscreen televisions, and guests can relax outside in the heated saltwater pool and spa.

“We love the desert and we love that Palm Springs is so cosmopolitan while retaining a small town feel,” Jerry said. “In many respects, that is reflected in our attitude about Bearfoot Inn. We’re small, laid-back, and casual, but a little savvy, too — at least we hope we are.”

Jerry and Glen enjoy being involved in the community, and appreciate the support and sense of camaraderie amongst the hoteliers.

“We’re so happy to be part of something that makes Palm Springs special, from being the city with the most LGBTQ hotels to being amongst the many boutique hotels that give Palm Springs its unique charm as a sun destination or a weekend getaway,” Jerry said.

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Jazz Hotel Offers Quiet Sophistication

Jazz Hotel Palm Springs stands out with its sleek design and chic decor.

Owner Annick Laberge has filled this mid-century modern property, formerly known as The Cheetah Hotel, with black and white furniture and original artwork, as well as surprise pops of color. While people might think the dog-friendly hotel’s new name is a nod to the musical genre, it was actually inspired by someone close to Annick.

“Jazz is my white Pomeranian dog,” Annick said. “He’s all white with black eyes and a black nose, and the whole hotel is white with a little bit of black. I like the name too because it’s easy so people don’t forget it.”

A gilded mirror leans against a white wall next to a small table in a room at Jazz Hotel in Palm Springs, California

A gilded mirror stands out in a clean and sleek Jazz Hotel Palm Springs room. Photo courtesy of Jazz Hotel Palm Springs

Annick has spent the last decade working with her father in real estate, managing apartments and investing in buildings in Canada. She fell in love with Palm Springs during visits to Southern California, and found that “there’s something about the desert that speaks to me personally.” When the opportunity came to purchase the Cheetah Hotel in the spring of 2023, Annick was drawn to its “good bones and good location,” and was excited to “put my stamp on it and do a redesign and rebrand with my sister.”

Guests often comment on how much they enjoy the hotel’s spot on a cul-de-sac, where you can’t hear the traffic and can get a good night’s sleep.

“It’s laid-back and quiet, and some people say it’s off the beaten path and a hidden gem,” Annick said. “We’re aiming to be a nice place for people to come to that’s close to downtown Palm Springs, so if they want more action they can go to the restaurants and parties just five minutes away.”

The pool at Jazz Hotel surrounded by fringed umbrellas and lounge chairs with a white ring float in the water and palms and San Jacinto Mountains in the background

The pool at Jazz Hotel is a centerpiece of the property. Photo courtesy of Jazz Hotel Palm Springs

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El Noa Noa Is A Love Letter to Couples

In the heart of Palm Springs’ Warm Sands neighborhood, where the desert’s allure meets an assemblage of charming boutique resorts, El Noa Noa has emerged as a new oasis for couples seeking an intimate escape. Once the residence of legendary Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel, it has been lovingly transformed into a serene retreat that celebrates romance, wellness, and musical heritage.​

A love story built into the walls

The colorful pool on a sunny day at El Noa Noa

The pool at El Noa Noa is bright and sunny. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa is a testament to love. In fact, owner Sony Bastian Sunny purchased the property in October 2024 as a gift to his wife Unni on their 15th anniversary. Sony’s background in hospitality, with several resorts in India and a property in Big Bear, California, provided the foundation for this venture. Upon discovering El Noa Noa, Sony was captivated by its tranquility and privacy, envisioning it as the perfect couples’ retreat.

An homage to Juan Gabriel

The bubbling outdoor spa at El Noa Noa in Palm Springs

The spa is always on and ready for guests looking to relax. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

The hotel’s name pays tribute to Gabriel’s famous song about celebrating freedom, joy, and life’s simple pleasures. The property still resonates with his spirit, especially in the Honeymoon Suite, which was once his bedroom. Guests can feel the musical legacy intertwined with the hotel’s ambiance, offering a unique blend of history and luxury. ​Even powerhouse artists like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande are rumored to have stayed on the property.

Designed for romance and relaxation

The private spa and waterfall at the Honeymoon Suite at El Noa Noa

The cozy Honeymoon Suite has a private spa and waterfall. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

Every aspect of El Noa Noa is curated to provide couples with a peaceful and intimate experience:​

Luxurious suites

Each of the eight rooms is designed as a sanctuary, featuring amenities like luxurious baths and fire places. I got to experience the Honeymoon Suite myself, and it certainly stands out with its private waterfall spa and large rain shower that opens up to the outside, inviting couples to unwind in seclusion.

Pura Vida Wellness & Spa

Managed by spa director Monika Bogart and her family, the on-site spa offers a range of wellness options in an intimate setting. I received a 90-minute sample of every treatment they offer, which put me right at ease. Guests can indulge in treatments like the Pura Vida signature body polish, rejuvenating facials, and sound healing sessions. The spa is open to both guests and day visitors, with hotel guests enjoying a 20% off discount on services. ​

Peaceful surroundings

To maintain a serene environment, El Noa Noa caters to adults. With its large, heated pool and communal hot tub, the hotel ensures a tranquil atmosphere perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. It’s an intriguing option for intimate celebrations, honeymoons, anniversaries, and small gatherings as well.

An alternative for the LGBTQ+ community

A selfie of a white man sitting on a bed at El Noa Noa

Gregory Douglass enjoys lounging in his room at El Noa Noa. Photo courtesy of Gregory Douglass

The hotel’s connection to Juan Gabriel, an icon beloved in the LGBTQ+ community, adds a layer of significance in my opinion. And Palm Springs’ Warm Sands neighborhood has long been a haven for our beautiful LGBTQ+ community with its array of clothing-optional hotels and resorts for men only. While clothing is required at El Noa Noa, it continues our tradition of inclusivity while offering an alternative to many of its neighboring boutique hotels. ​

Looking to the future 

The exterior of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa’s sleek exterior blends into the Warm Sands neighborhood. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa plans to expand its offerings in exciting ways. Recognizing that relaxation shouldn’t be limited to overnight guests, the hotel will offer day passes for those seeking spa services and a brief escape from the everyday.​

Summer retreats focusing on holistic wellness are in the works as well, which will aim to provide guests with immersive experiences that blend relaxation and rejuvenation.​

Why choose independently-owned boutique hotels?

A giant duck float in the pool at El Noa Noa

The pool at El Noa Noa is sparkling and inviting. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

Choosing to stay at places like El Noa Noa also means your travel dollars directly benefit the local community. Opting for an independently-owned boutique hotel offers a unique and enriching experience that stands apart from conventional chain hotels.​

Boutique hotels often mirror the passions of their owners, resulting in distinctive decor and ambiance. El Noa Noa’s location places you amidst a community known for its vibrant history and charm. The hotel’s connection to local heritage and commitment to authenticity allow for a deeper engagement with the area as well.

In essence, selecting an independently-owned boutique hotel enriches your travel experience through personalized service, unique ambiance, authentic local engagement, and the satisfaction of supporting the community. El Noa Noa embodies these qualities, offering a romantic and culturally immersive retreat that promises to make your stay in Palm Springs truly unforgettable.

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